Israel Should Sue Film Producers Over Defamation, Op-Ed Argues

An opinion piece published during the Jewish High Holidays suggests Israel should pursue legal action against the creators of a film titled "NAZA" (Accidental Damage), which allegedly presents false and defamatory accusations against IDF soldiers. The author, Judy Shalom Nir Moses, encountered discussions about the film's planned screening at the Hamptons Film Festival among Israelis and Jews in New York.

Moses argues that the film's claims, including intentional killing of innocent civilians, constitute defamation and a modern blood libel, drawing parallels to historical anti-Jewish accusations. She emphasizes that while individual soldiers who break the law should be investigated and prosecuted, the film's portrayal of the entire IDF as murderers of innocents is a gross misrepresentation.

The author proposes that a lawsuit for defamation would serve as a crucial "test case," forcing the filmmakers to substantiate their claims in court. She asserts that the "documentary" label does not grant immunity from accountability for presenting allegations as facts to a global audience.

Even if the chances of winning a lawsuit are slim, Moses contends that Israel must sue. She believes the act of suing itself is a vital part of the struggle, signaling to filmmakers, distributors, and festivals that Israel rejects these accusations and will not passively accept their dissemination. She also suggests that festivals screening such films should provide a platform for Israeli responses and experts.

Moses criticizes Israel's current approach of issuing condemnations in response to accusations, stating it is ineffective. She advocates for a proactive legal stance, arguing that fighting for the truth through litigation is as important as the legal outcome itself.